Bournemouth-Luton abandoned after Tom Lockyer mid-game collapse

Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium was postponed due to concern about the condition of Hatters defender Tom Lockyer.

The Luton Town centre-back collapsed in the match between his team and Bournemouth in the 70th minute of the match and was immediately taken to hospital after being treated on the pitch. Match referee Simon Hooper sent both teams to the Vitality Stadium changing rooms and the match was postponed. The Premier League must decide in the next few hours when the remaining 20 minutes will be played.

Today’s situation on the south coast was not the first time that the Luton captain has suffered. During the playoff for promotion to the Premier League, in the final against Coventry at Wembley, Lockyer also collapsed after suffering cardiac arrest. The center back underwent heart surgery in June to solve his problem.

Lockyer, 28, had atrial fibrillation, a condition the NHS describes as causing “an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rhythm”. After initial confusion and consternation, latest reports suggest Lockyer is alert and responsive.